Music

Key Stage 3

In KS3 students will build on their previous knowledge and skills through performing, composing and listening. They will learn to perform and compose music on their own and with others through the use of technology and using more traditional methods of notation. Students will be introduced to a diverse range of musical structures, styles and genres. They will also learn to listen to music and each other with increasing discrimination.

In Year 7: Students will learn how music is created through pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and will learn to read musical notations. They will also develop their performance skills as part of an ensemble or as a soloist and will learn how to compose simple piece of music.

In Year 8: Students will be introduced to music from a variety of genres and will continue to develop their listening, performing and composing skills with a focus on ensemble work. They will also use technology to extend their composition skills.

InYear 9: Students will extend and develop their musical skills drawing on a wide range of musical structures, styles, genres and traditions. Solo and ensemble opportunities will be provided for students. They will also listen with increasing discrimination to a wide range of music from great composers and musicians while at the same time develop a deepening understanding of the music that they perform.

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Key Stage 4

At GCSE Level: Students follow the WJEC syllabus. The syllabus is based around the three skills of listening (40%), composing (30%) and performing (30%). Students are required to perform two contrasting pieces of music, one solo and one as a member of an ensemble. They are also expected to compose two contrasting compositions. Finally students will have a listening / written examination based on unprepared musical extracts under each of the Areas of Study undertaken during the course.

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Key Stage 5

At KS 5 the syllabus enables students to extend their knowledge and understanding of music, to create and develop their own musical ideas and to demonstrate technical, interpretative and communication skills through performing music.

This six-unit course helps students to develop aural, theoretical and analytical skills and enables them to explore a significant set work and an area of study selected to suit their preferences. They can choose to study compositional techniques, to create music which draws on their own experience and enthusiasm or to arrange a given piece of music. In their performances, students can present solo and ensemble pieces and can work with music technology.

This specification provides a sound preparation for the study of music in higher education, as well as providing opportunities to develop strengths and interests leading to music-related and other careers. It encourages students to develop a wide range of transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, communication and team-work.